The same thing could happen again, and the outcome would be exactly the same...
Phuket was and still is under-prepared.
Yes they now have Tsunami bouys out in the ocean, but has Phuket itself any emergency plans, what to do, where to go.
Are establishments trained in assisting local and international tourists?
NO.
They may boast that they have contingency plans and have drills... how often are they done, when was the last one?
Take Japan as an example, everyone down to the last child knows what to do..
Can Thailand boast the same... NO